Can you wear glasses in a passport photo? Country by country
Which countries allow clear glasses in a passport photo, which want them off, what still gets a photo with glasses rejected, and what to do on medical grounds.
Short answer
It depends on the country. Clear glasses are allowed in Austria, Canada, China (visa), Denmark, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, and Switzerland, as long as there is no glare and your eyes are fully visible. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and France, want them off. If you are not sure, take them off: a photo without glasses never fails on the glasses rule.
Why glasses cause trouble
The photo on your document is compared with your face, by a person or by a machine. Glare on a lens, a tint or a thick frame hides part of the eyes, and the eyes are the part that matters most for that comparison.
Country by country
| Country | Glasses |
|---|---|
| Australia | Not allowed, except on medical grounds |
| Austria | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Belgium | Not allowed |
| Bulgaria | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| Canada | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| China (visa) | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Czechia | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| Denmark | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Finland | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| France | Not allowed |
| Germany | Not allowed, except on medical grounds |
| Hungary | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| Italy | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Japan | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Netherlands | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Norway | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| Poland | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Romania | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| South Korea | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| Spain | Not confirmed by us: take them off |
| Sweden | The police take the photo at the passport office |
| Switzerland | Allowed: clear lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible |
| United Kingdom | Not allowed, except on medical grounds |
| United States | Not allowed, except on medical grounds |
“Not confirmed by us” means we have not checked that country's rule against the official source yet. Taking your glasses off is the safe choice there.
Where glasses are allowed
The photo can still be rejected for any of these:
- Glare or a reflection on either lens
- Tinted lenses or sunglasses
- A frame that covers part of the eyes
- Eyes not fully visible behind the lens
Medical reasons
Some countries that want glasses off make an exception when you cannot remove them for a medical reason, usually with a statement from a doctor. Not every country does, so ask the authority that issues your document.
The simple rule
Take them off. It takes five seconds and removes one reason for a rejection.
Take your passport photo with Foto2Pass. Our photo check also looks at glasses and tells you when they cause a problem.
Ready to try Foto2Pass?
Upload a selfie, we handle the crop, lighting, and compliance check. Only pay if the result passes.
Start my passport photo